Creamy Seafood Chowder

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Servings: 6

• Skill Level: Moderate

• Flavor Profile: Creamy, savory, briny

• Dish Type: Soup, Main Course

Ingredients

Seafood (fresh or frozen, thawed):

• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/2 pound sea scallops (cut in half if large)

• 1/2 pound cod, haddock, or halibut, cut into chunks

• 1 cup chopped clams (fresh or canned, juice reserved)

Vegetables & Aromatics:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Liquids & Cream Base:

• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)

• 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken broth)

• 1/2 cup clam juice (from canned clams or bottled)

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Oyster crackers or crusty bread

• A dash of smoked paprika or hot sauce

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add diced onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in the garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth

1. Pour in the white wine (if using), and simmer for 2–3 minutes until reduced slightly.

2. Add the potatoes, seafood stock, and clam juice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

3. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 3: Add Dairy and Simmer

1. Slowly stir in the milk and heavy cream. Return to a gentle simmer (do not boil or the milk may curdle).

2. Let the chowder cook for another 5–7 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Step 4: Add Seafood

1. Gently fold in the shrimp, scallops, fish chunks, and chopped clams.

2. Simmer uncovered for about 5–8 minutes, or until the seafood is just cooked through and tender. Shrimp should be pink, scallops opaque, and fish flaky.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the bay leaf and ladle the hot chowder into bowls.

2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers on the side.

3. Optionally, finish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce for added depth.

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Cooking Intensity: Moderate

This dish involves multiple steps — prepping vegetables, layering flavors, and careful cooking of delicate seafood — but none are overly difficult. The key is timing and keeping the heat low when adding dairy and seafood. It’s a rewarding project for intermediate home cooks or ambitious beginners.

Tips & Variations

• Make it smoky: Add a few strips of cooked, chopped bacon at the beginning for a smoky base.

• Spicy twist: Include a pinch of cayenne or chopped chili for heat.

• Gluten-free: This chowder is naturally gluten-free if no flour is used as a thickener (which this version avoids).

• Thicker chowder: Add 1 tablespoon of flour to the sautéed vegetables before adding liquid for a slightly thicker base.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Note: Values will vary depending on seafood choices and specific brands used.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairing: Serve with toasted sourdough bread or oyster crackers for dunking.

• Salad Side: A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness.

• Wine Pairing: A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay balances the creamy texture.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. Do not boil.

• Freezing: Not ideal due to the dairy, but you can freeze the base (before adding cream and seafood) and add those fresh upon reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Seafood Chowder is more than just a soup — it’s an experience. With its creamy richness, vibrant ocean flavors, and hearty vegetables, it brings comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a chilly evening, it’s a dish that will impress guests and satisfy cravings.

Ready to bring a taste of the coast to your kitchen? Grab your pot and let’s make something unforgettable.